Primary And Secondary Education

No fireworks in final Eggs & Issues session (03/16/10)
With Democrats Sen. Jack Kibbie and Rep. Marcie Frevert -- both of Emmetsburg, -- absent from the final Eggs & Issues session Saturday, Spencer City Council chambers never really heated up with back-and-forth dialogue. Rep. Mike May who was participating in his final Spencer Chamber of Commerce legislative event, took the opportunity to thank those he has served in District 6...

Library board considers starting gaming collection (03/13/10)
Spencer Public Library representatives have a plan to encourage more people to enter the doorway of the local library. Thursday night during the monthly board meeting, Director Kay Larson recommended they approve discontinuing the library's CD collection, or at least to stop adding to it, and instead implement an assortment of games...

Ruthven-Ayrshire still searching for CEO (03/12/10)
It's time to advertise for a superintendent to replace the retiring one. That's what Ruthven-Ayrshire (RA) school board members have decided. They'd hoped to share the services of Clay Central-Everly (CCE) Superintendent Monte Montgomery following the planned retirement of Ervin "Erv" Rowlands at the conclusion of the 2009-10 school year, but CCE board members met Monday night and unanimously voted against such an arrangement...

Library board approves new logo (03/11/10)
After receiving a lot of feedback from the public, Spencer Public Library board members approved a new logo for the city building Thursday night. It does not include a portrait of the library's famous late library cat, Dewey Readmore Books. ...

An evening of 'Impact' (03/06/10)
"Josh's Story," which generated a great deal of buzz when it appeared in the pages of the Daily Reporter, will come to life Wednesday night at DaySpring Assembly of God Church as part of "Impact" -- a night offering a message of hope to a target audience of junior high and high school students complete with live music and giveaways beginning at 6:30 p.m...

Celebrating Lutheran Schools Week in hats, with cake (03/06/10)
To mark the final day of Lutheran Schools Week, to honor its "For a Lifetime of Service" theme and to celebrate his 60th birthday, Principal Dewey Torkelson served birthday cake to staff and students at Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School Friday afternoon. ...

Fish stories: Public can view art in action at studio today (03/06/10)
"It's a performance." Those are the words that artist Simeon Lisk used to describe what's going to happen at Bogenrief Studios Saturday beginning at 2 p.m. And Lisk should know, it's his concept and design that the crew will be focused on when they invite the public to join them in the work area as they create another glass piece for the aquarium project that beginning in April will become a centerpiece at the Spencer Public Library...

Ruthven-Ayrshire considers sharing administrators (03/05/10)
When Ruthven-Ayrshire school board members began the process of replacing their retiring superintendent in November, they requested a lot of information from seven neighboring districts. As they've pondered hiring a full-time replacement, sharing an administrator with a neighboring district and sharing with another district further away, the board recently met with Sioux Central and Clay Central-Everly (CCE) administrators and tentatively narrowed down their decision to sharing with one of the two non-bordering school districts.. ...

Legislators discuss rising health care costs, texting while driving (03/02/10)
When the third Eggs and Issues legislative forum of the season began Saturday morning in Spencer, attendees were encouraged to not ask the three participating state legislators about same-sex marriage or right-to-work issues, common themes of the first two sessions held this year. Even with the majority party not represented at the gathering, Sen. David Johnson, R-Ocheyedan; Rep. Mike May, R-Spirit Lake; and Rep. Royd Chambers, R-Sheldon; addressed a variety of issues ranging from oversight of the Department of Natural Resources and texting while behind the wheel to health care concerns and statewide budget cuts. ...

Spencer preschool contingent on state funding (02/25/10)
In light of Iowa's budgetary situation this legislative session, Spencer school officials are rallying behind the scenes to make sure another preschool appears locally next year. They've also declared if state funding does not come forward they'll have a for-pay preschool in place for area 4-year-olds this fall. ...

Public's input sought on district facilities (02/25/10)
Local representatives believe the Spencer school district is in need of a new long-term facility plan. And, they're searching for a few people who'd like to offer their input on the matter. "The district needs to have a plan for how we handle our district facilities, what needs to be improved, what needs to be upgraded and for what the vision for the future with our facilities is," Superintendent Greg Ebeling told school board members Tuesday night...

Local cartoonist creates a 'New Dawn' (02/20/10)
Carman Brons has a fantasy world of magical characters living inside the spellbinding village of New Dawn filling her head. According to her followers, it's a good thing the comic artist has the talent to share it -- both in cartoons and script -- with them on the Web. ...

Lt. Gov. Judge emphasizes jobs (02/19/10)
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Reporter Thursday, Lt. Gov. Patty Judge focused on jobs from start to finish, as she discussed items she and Gov. Chet Culver hope to see accomplished during a shortened, 80-day legislative session. "We're very much aware -- as everyone in the state is -- that we're in the midst of a worldwide recession and people are concerned, and rightfully so," Judge said. ...

Applications sought for 2010 Clay County Fair Queen (02/18/10)
The search is under way for candidates to compete for the title of Clay County Fair Queen. The winner, to be crowned Sunday, April 18, will reign over this year's Clay County Fair and will also compete for the State Fair Queen title. Females between the ages of 16 and 21 by Aug.12, the first day of the 2010 Iowa State Fair, may apply. ...

Board closes in on new Dewey-less logo (02/13/10)
Spencer Public Library board members seem to have "checked out" on publishing the late Dewey Readmore Books on the library's new logo. Instead, the board has tentatively chosen to pursue a new logo developed by Standard Printing & Design of Spencer...

Early-retirement package approved by school board (02/12/10)
As Spencer school board members approved offering a new early-retirement package to eligible teachers Thursday night, they stressed it will be a one-time offer that could help "make ends meet" if enough apply. The benefits authorized would give qualified teaching staff a severance payment of 30 percent of their 2009-10 teaching contract, to be paid in November, and single medical insurance coverage for a maximum of seven years, or until the applicant is eligible for Medicare. ...

District's dissolution plan approved overwhelmingly (02/04/10)
South Clay voters have overwhelmingly approved the questions of whether their school district should be dissolved and how its territory, assets and liabilities should be distributed among neighboring schools posed to them on a paper ballot this week.

South Clay constituents to vote on district's dissolution Feb. 2 (01/29/10)
South Clay Superintendent David Schulz is a bit nervous about the additional snow forecast to fall Monday. He hopes the weather will cooperate. But it's the fact that local school board elections generally don't have over 35 people turning ballots in that really makes him uncomfortable. The superintendent is hoping for a much better public turnout on Tuesday, when South Clay's 736 registered voters will be able to voice their opinions on the district's pending dissolution. ...

Multiyear contract proposed to Spencer teachers (01/28/10)
For the first time, representatives for the Spencer school district have proposed a multiyear contract to members of the Spencer Education Association (SEA). Superintendent Greg Ebeling opened Wednesday's open session with SEA representatives Scott Rettey and Duane Davis by saying, "This initial proposal is reflective of the district, state and nation's current economic crisis. The board does not believe that typical raises are responsible under these circumstances. ...

Paycheck reductions approved by board (01/28/10)
Local teachers will be seeing a cut in their paychecks beginning next month. The reduction, which was approved unanimously by Spencer school board members Tuesday night, is in response to Gov. Chet Culver's 10 percent across-the-board spending cut imposed last month and a declaratory order issued by the Iowa Department of Education (DE) in regard to the cut's impact on teacher salary supplement (TSS) funds. ...

Negotiations commence for Spencer's certified school staff (01/26/10)
The Spencer Education Association (SEA) presented its initial contract proposal for the 2010-11 school year to officials with the Spencer Community School District Monday afternoon. The SEA, which represents full- and part-time teachers in the district, requested a 4.96 percent total package increase totaling $489,634.

Stephas: One of the few, the proud, the commissioned (01/23/10)
Today, Rick Stephas is truly one of the few, the proud. After being an officer candidate for 3 1/2 years, the Spencer man officially became a U.S. Marine Corps second lieutenant on Jan. 14. The 24-year-old celebrated his military advancement with family and friends during a commissioning ceremony steeped in Marine Corps traditions held Jan. 13, at the United Methodist Church in Royal. ...

Rants emphasizes lowering property taxes (01/21/10)
A perfect storm is brewing in Iowa, gubernatorial candidate Chris Rants, R-Sioux City, told a group of about 50 people at the Clay County Regional Events Center Tuesday night. The former Speaker of the House identified a lack of job development, escalating taxes and an outdated, unconstitutional school aid funding formula as the three biggest problems currently facing the state at the Informed Voter Forum sponsored by the Clay County Tea Party Patriots...

'Purple Monkeys' advise council on SMS safety issue (01/21/10)
Taken out of context, the fact that the Spencer City Council are looking to Purple Flying Monkeys to solve a perceived safety issue facing the Spencer Middle School might have residents questioning their decision at the voting booths. But during Monday night's council meeting, the "Monkeys," comprised of the middle school's female Lego League members, presented a study that demonstrated pedestrian dangers for students arriving at the middle school in the morning...

Study: Library needs more space in the future (01/21/10)
A consultant has told Spencer Public Library representatives that an additional 9,214 square feet will be needed to effectively serve patrons over the next two decades. The space needs analysis completed by George Lawson, and adopted by library board members last week, takes into account the library's collections, meeting areas, staff room, seating, computers and other factors. The study recommends the library's current 14,835 gross square feet be expanded to a minimum of 24,049 square feet...

Brockshus named Flagfest Youth Ambassador (01/19/10)
Spencer High School senior Hannah Brockshus was named the 2010 Flagfest Youth Ambassador Sunday afternoon, and Carrie Cunningham and Emily Jones were named first and second alternates, respectively. The daughter of Todd and Barb Brockshus, of Fostoria, participates in individual and large group speech, Thespians, Key Club, band and soccer as a high school student. ...

Gude: The recycling educator (01/16/10)
Chris Gude knows he's the exception to recycling. ...

Quail named essay contest winner (01/16/10)
Spencer High School sophomore Chayton Quail, the son of Joe and Anne Quail of Spencer, has been named the first-place winner in a Martin Luther King Jr. essay contest. The contest, which was sponsored by the Iowa Department of Human Rights, the Iowa Department of Civil Rights, the Iowa Commission on Volunteer Service and the Division on the Status of African Americans, challenged Iowa students to get involved and make a difference in their communities...

Grand opening at remodeled SMS (01/15/10)
The "familiar partners" who chose to collaborate in "unfamiliar territory" on Spencer's newest $5 million rehabilitation project officially celebrated their endeavor being completed "on time and on budget" Thursday in downtown Spencer. Those partners -- the Spencer school district, the Friends of the Auditorium group, Community Housing Initiatives (CHI) and the Spencer Area Activity Center (SAAC) -- gathered with other key participants and members of the general public to mark the grand opening of the Spencer School Apartments and the town's senior center in the former Spencer High School and Spencer Middle School building located at 104 E. Fourth St. ...

Grand Opening celebration (01/12/10)
Former and current teachers, students and school staff, as well as members of the general public, will have the opportunity to view changes made to the former Spencer Middle School building this week. ...

Microsoft settlement nets Iowa schools $60 million (01/08/10)

Local Tea Party members bring GOP candidates to Spencer (01/08/10)
Local Tea Party Patriots are calling for the area citizenry to "get informed and get involved." And they are offering a way to do it. Plans for two voter forum opportunities with a pair of the GOP gubernatorial candidates have been announced by the Tea Party Patriots, organizers of the event...

Three girls seek role of Flagfest Ambassador (01/07/10)
Three area students will compete to serve as the first Flagfest Youth Ambassador of the new decade on Sunday, Jan. 17, at Spencer High School. Hannah Brockshus, Carrie Cunningham and Emily Jones will undergo several steps in the competition, including a public self expression presentation at the Spencer Community High School Little Theater beginning at 2:30 p.m. Admission is free to the public...

Whiting second to announce plans for District 6 seat (01/05/10)
Spirit Lake native Zach Whiting announced Monday that he will seek the Republican nomination for the District 6 seat in the Iowa House of Representatives. The seat is currently held by Mike May, who has announced that he will not seek re-election in November...

The unbreakable bond of friends (01/04/10)
Before South Clay, there was Gillett Grove Consolidated School. Four students from the former school's class of 1939 remain steadfast comrades to this day. They've also stayed avid supporters of the northwest Iowa community they grew up in. ...

Canine improving lives through service (12/31/09)
More often than not, Katie is a welcome addition whenever she visits. In fact, the 3-year-old Golden Retriever owned by Jim and Judy Taylor, of Spencer, generally elicits welcoming cheers, smiles and extended hands wherever she goes. Over the last couple months, the therapy dog and her certified handlers have become regular visitors to the hospital, a local elementary school, the library and care centers throughout Spencer. ...

'Mag' Johnson passes away (12/29/09)
For generations of Spencer students, the choice for a noon meal was simple. They could take the school's hot lunch. Or, they went to "Mag's," the nickname for Johnson Grocery, a tiny store near the railroad tracks on the corner of East 4th Street and 5th Avenue East in Spencer...

Kibbie: Education to remain a priority in 2010 (12/24/09)
Sen. John "Jack" Kibbie told Spencer school board members this week that education will remain a priority in 2010. He also forewarned that state legislators will be looking at the possibility of more school districts sharing in order to save money. Incentives for them to share and discussions about more distance learning occurring will transpire this upcoming legislative session, he said Tuesday evening via a teleconference connection with board members...

Steinkamp, Barnett taking the work out of gardening (12/22/09)
Tyler Steinkamp has enjoyed gardening and producing vegetables since second grade. Michael Barnett, who grew up with not a lot of conducive gardening space available, realized last summer while helping his friend pick produce from his yard that he also truly enjoyed the hobby. The two Spencer High School alumni, now South Dakota State University (SDSU) students, have co-partnered to form Personalized Produce LLC. The aim of their business venture is to allow Spencer residents the fruits (or vegetables) of their labor this upcoming growing season. ...

Preparing for Africa (12/19/09)
Bob, Barb, Austin, Stephanie and Cameron Van Wyk have recently contemplated printing up buttons stating "Dec. 29" and "Yes" to answer two questions they've heard over and over: "When are you leaving?" and "Are you excited?" The Spencer family has spent the last 18 months sharing their story with others across the nation and raising the funds needed to cover work-related and personal expenses while they serve abroad as missionaries the next three years. ...

Board members, legislators mull over upcoming legislative session (12/17/09)
Spencer school board members have received predictions, as well as advance warnings, from three area legislators in regard to what challenges the district's coffers and local taxpayers' wallets may expect in response to Iowa's budget shortfall and across-the-board cuts ordered by the governor. During a nighttime work session held this week, Sen. David Johnson, Reps. Royd Chambers and Mike May told the locally-elected representatives that the upcoming legislative session will probably be a "compressed situation" that will be "all about budget and very little about policy." ...

State cuts taking a toll on NW Iowa (12/05/09)
"The first cut is the deepest," muses a classic song. The global economic crisis has hit home belatedly, but with full force, in Iowa and local communities this season. The bleeding can be felt from the slashes in school budgets to the trauma of sudden job losses...

'Wow' wish list to go to SMU (12/01/09)
Spencer school board members have done as they were assigned by Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU) board members -- and built consensus amongst themselves while compiling a wish list of potential "wow" projects. During a joint meeting between representatives from both parties on Sept. 28, Bruce Tamisiea, the gathering's facilitator, told those who'd gathered, "SMU is looking for our next what we call 'wow project.' That's something so big, so audacious that nobody thinks a town this size could take it on." ...

Dance teams gearing up for big December (12/01/09)
Fifteen Spencer Middle School girls have come together to form the Dance Force (above), while 20 young ladies from the high school, comprising "The Strutters" are preparing for their Iowa State competition on Friday at Veteran's Auditorium in Des Moines. ...

Spencer school CEO: No 'major budget reductions' anticipated this year (11/27/09)
As Spencer school board members were presented with district line item budgets from 1998-99 through this and next school year's budget estimates, they were told by the district's CEO this week that tough choices will need to be made. "But the message I want out there is we are not going to go through any major budget reductions this year," Superintendent Greg Ebeling also assured. "We are going to look at using attrition through early retirements as a possibility. But, there is not going to be any big, 'This is what we're going to do for budget cuts for the coming fiscal year.' ... A year from now, if we're in the position where we have to make reductions, we'll have plenty of time leading up to them, which will allow us to talk about the process, what we're going to do and how it's going to look."

The power of words (11/27/09)
Before dismissing for an extended Thanksgiving weekend, Iowa Great Lakes Lutheran School students divided up Wednesday morning to hear gender-specific messages from "local celebrities" about how their words can either hurt or build up other people. Devin van Holsteijn, who is pursuing music and business management courses as a Drake University freshman, relayed to the male IGLLS students, right, that he was very active and excelled as a swim team and band member while dual enrolled as a homeschooled and a Spencer High School student. ...

Flagfest Youth Ambassador search under way (11/14/09)
The 26th annual summer festival Flagfest will include a variety of activities, including the selection of the Flagfest Youth Ambassador. Applications are being accepted from area youths interested in participating in the competition. If selected the 2010 Flagfest Youth Ambassador, the youth will represent Spencer and the surrounding area during various events, including Flagfest, Ag Outlook Ag Breakfast, Clay County Fair Booth, St. Pat's Parade and other area events and parades...

Paying tribute to a SHS 'stairwell hero' (11/12/09)
The new picture of a Spencer High School "stairwell hero" was dedicated during a Veterans Day program held Wednesday on Dale Norton Field. The students and staff members who filled the bleachers overlooking the SHS football field learned of Leonard Borchard Jr. during the ceremony. An older, faded picture of the 1966 SHS graduate had graced the stairwell leading from their building's student center to its first floor classrooms.

State cuts to create cash flow issue for Spencer schools (10/31/09)
School districts across Iowa are attempting to figure out how to deal with Gov. Chet Culver's 10 percent across-the-board cut, and what it means for their annual budgets which have already been set. Spencer residents were told this week that the diminished amount they'll be working to offset is $890,735. ...

Contested council race headlines Spencer ballot (10/31/09)
A newcomer who believes in term limits and a council member who has served the city for the past 28 years are both seeking the Spencer City Council at-large seat Tuesday as voters go to the polls. Randy Plagman and incumbent David A. Scott both met the filing deadline to appear on the Nov. 3 municipal ballot...

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